Health Benefits Of Physical Activity Research Articles

Gain-Framed Messaging for Promoting Adult Sport: Examining the Effects of Efficacy-Enhancing Information.

Sport is a potential venue for more middle-aged adults to engage in sufficient physical activity for health benefits. Little is known about whether messaging interventions can motivate sport activity. This experiment tested the impact of gain-framed messaging (i.e., information about the benefits of doing adult sport) based on the inclusion (or lack thereof) of efficacy-enhancing information. Adults (30–69 years-old) were randomly assigned to experimental (a 4-min online video of “Gain-framed messages alone,” or “Gain-framed plus efficacy-enhancing messages”) or control conditions. Participants (N = 232; 62.5% female) completed baseline measures for intentions, barrier and scheduling self-efficacy, outcomes expectancies (OEs), sport behavior and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, received their condition 1-week later, reported measures immediately after, and 1-month later. Results showed no differences between the experimental conditions, indicating there was no advantage of supplemental efficacy-enhancing information compared to gain-framed messages alone. When the two messaging groups were collapsed, they showed significant increases for OEs related to travel, social affiliation, and stress relief immediately following experimental exposure, compared to the control group. Overall, there were few benefits attributed to messaging and no effects on self-reported sport registration or sport behavior. Discussion focuses on future messaging considerations that may more effectively motivate adult sport participation.

Abstract MP33: Modes of Physical Activity Engagement Differ by Federal Poverty Level Among Men and Women: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2014

Introduction: Research has consistently identified the health benefits of physical activity (PA) and that low-income populations engage in less PA than their more affluent counterparts and may differ by gender. However, research has focused on leisure time PA (LTPA) with less emphasis on PA engagement from employment and transportation. This study aims to determine if those in lower Federal Poverty Level (FPL) categories differ in their modes of PA engagement compared to those of higher FPL categories. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that individuals of lower FPL status would be more likely to meet PA guidelines (≥150 minutes moderate to vigorous PA) from employment and transportation PA and less likely to meet PA guidelines from LTPA compared to those of higher FPL status. Methods: We used cross-sectional data from NHANES 2007-2014 participants aged 21 to 59 years (females: n =6,736; males: n=6,047). Weighted logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between FPL (FPL ≤0.99, 1.00-1.99, 2.00-2.99 vs FPL ≥ 3.00) and meeting PA guidelines in three domains: employment, transportation, and LTPA. Models were stratified by sex and adjusted for weight status, age, race, nativity, marital status, education, employment, and health insurance. Results: Among women, those of lower FPL had increased odds of meeting PA guidelines from employment [(FPL ≤ 0.99: OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.13, 2.06), (FPL 1.00-1.99: OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.88). Those in the 2.00-2.99 FPL category had similar odds of meeting PA guidelines from employment (OR: 1.39; 95% CI: 0.99, 1.94), compared to those FPL ≥ 3.00. Women of lower FPL had similar odds of meeting PA guidelines from transportation compared to those FPL ≥ 3.00 ( p > .05). Further, women of lower FPL were significantly less likely to meet PA recommendations from LTPA [(FPL ≤ 0.99: OR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.57), (FPL 1.00-1.99: OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.62), (FPL 2.00-2.99: OR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.90)]. Among men, only those in the 2.00-2.99 category having increased odds of meeting PA guidelines from employment (OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.86). Only the lowest FPL category men (FPL ≤0.99) had increased odds of meeting PA guidelines from transportation (OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.29, 2.51). Similar to women, lower FPL men were significantly less likely to meet PA recommendations from LTPA [(FPL ≤ 0.99: OR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.51, 0.79), (FPL 1.00-1.99: OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.48, 0.70), (FPL 2.00-2.99: OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.55, 0.84)]. Conclusions: These findings suggest that modes of PA engagement differ by FPL category among men and women. Researchers studying PA among low-income populations must assess employment and transportation PA in addition to LTPA in order to accurately estimate PA engagement. Practitioners attempting to increase PA among low-income populations need to consider other modes of PA rather than solely focusing on LTPA.

Physical Activity Communication: A Scoping Review of the Literature.

Engaging in regular physical activity can help prevent chronic disease and enhance quality of life. Unfortunately, less than 20% of American adults meet the recommended physical activity guidelines, perhaps indicating ineffective communication efforts around physical activity. In preparation for the release of the second edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, and using the physical activity guidelines as a cornerstone of our approach, we conducted a scoping review of physical activity communication research to understand the scholarly efforts related to communicating about physical activity. Using a social-ecological perspective, we identified studies using the keywords physical activity* OR exercise* AND health communication* in three public health and communication databases and retained studies conducted in the United States and published in English from 1995 through 2015. Sixty-seven articles included a mention of physical activity guidelines, a health communication focus, and media channels used in promoting physical activity. Half of the studies were published in health/science communication journals. One third of the studies mentioned physical activity guidelines. Only 19% of the studies featured mental health benefits of physical activity while more than 64% emphasized physical health benefits. Nearly all the studies (96%) mentioned the use of persuasion to encourage engagement in physical activity. More effort is needed to study the influence of communicating physical activity guidelines to the public. Best practices for future physical activity communication are discussed for both researchers and practitioners.

Physical activity during early pregnancy and antenatal depression: A prospective cohort study

BackgroundDespite the known health benefits of physical activity, its impact on depression during pregnancy remains inconclusive, especially in Asian populations. A large prospective cohort study was conducted to ascertain the association between total and domain-specific physical activity during early pregnancy and antenatal depression in Chinese women. MethodsInformation was collected prospectively from a cohort of 1440 pregnant women in Chengdu, Western China. Habitual physical activities (total, domain-specific and intensity level) were measured by the validated Chinese version of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire during the first trimester. Antenatal depressive symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 32–37 weeks of gestation. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were undertaken, modelling EPDS as both continuous score and binary variable, respectively. ResultsOverall, the mean EPDS score was 9.3 (SD 3.7) and the prevalence of antenatal depression (EPDS ≥13) was 17.5% (n = 252). The mean total physical activity was 149.1 (SD 84.2) MET-hours/week. A high level of occupational activity (>73 MET-hours/week) was associated with a reduced risk of antenatal depression (odds ratio 0.57; 95% CI 0.37 to 0.94). A similar inverse association was evident for the continuous EPDS score. However, no apparent associations with EPDS were observed for total, other domains and intensities of physical activity exposures. LimitationsLack of information on history of major depression. Use of self-reported questionnaires instead of objective measures of physical activity and clinical diagnosis of antenatal depression. ConclusionsBeing active at work during early pregnancy may reduce antenatal depressive symptoms for Chinese women.

Can physical activity help explain the gender gap in adolescent mental health? A cross-sectional exploration

Studies find that physical activity links with mental health, females engage in less physical activity than males, and females have worse mental health than males. Less attention has been paid to the intersection of physical activity, mental health, and gender. Might physical activity explain links between gender and mental health in adolescence? Or does the mental health benefit of physical activity depend on gender? In addition, while physical activity correlates with better mental health overall, it may be more beneficial for some domains than others. Using four years of cross-sectional data from students (1,756 cases over four years, ages 13–18), we (1) confirmed gender differences in physical activity and mental health, replicating prior studies; examined gender (2) as a confounding variable and (3) as a moderator of the physical activity-mental health link; and (4) tested physical activity as a mediator between gender and mental health. In addition, we considered whether associations vary for different positive and negative mental health domains. Females reported poorer mental health; males engaged in more physical activity. Physical activity was associated with all markers of mental health, having stronger correlations with Engagement and Perseverance than other positive and negative domains. Results better supported a mediational model (physical activity mediating gender-mental health associations) than a moderation model (gender moderating physical activity-mental health associations). Findings indicate the value of physical activity as an adolescent mental health intervention and suggest that barriers to females’ participation in physical activity should be considered.

Long-term members\u2019 use of fitness centers: a qualitative study

BackgroundAlthough the health benefits of physical activity are well documented, a large proportion of the population remains less active than recommended by current guidelines. Commercial fitness centers provide an opportunity to perform physical activity and exercise, but there has been little research focusing on ordinary members at commercial fitness centers. The aim of this study was therefore to explore what long-term members (> 2 years) wanted to achieve with their membership and to identify important factors that influenced them to use the fitness center as a means for physical activity.MethodThis was a qualitative study with 21 semi-structured individual interviews of adult long-term fitness center members in Trondheim, a city in Central Norway with approximately 190,000 inhabitants. The participants had been continuous fitness center members for more than two years and were asked about their experiences using a fitness center and what they wanted to achieve with the membership. The data was analyzed thematically with the method of systematic text condensation.ResultsThe results were categorized into three main themes: “Health benefits and physical appearance”; “Accessible, safe, and comfortable to use”; and “Variety, flexibility, and support.” The participants stated that they wanted to achieve health benefits, but they also talked about physical appearance. The fitness center was mainly described as easily accessible and a comfortable place for physical activity. Some female participants emphasized the feeling of safety compared to outdoor activity. Variation in activities, making commitments, and getting support from staff and other members were factors contributing to use of the fitness center for physical activity.ConclusionAchieving desired health benefits and improving physical appearance were the main drivers for long-term members’ use of the fitness center. The fitness center was preferred due to the comfort of the facilities and the possibility to commit to specific exercise times and activities.

Health Benefits of Physical Activity Related to an Urban Riverside Regeneration.

The promotion of physical activity through better urban design is one pathway by which health and well-being improvements can be achieved. This study aimed to quantify health and health-related economic impacts associated with physical activity in an urban riverside park regeneration project in Barcelona, Spain. We used data from Barcelona local authorities and meta-analysis assessing physical activity and health outcomes to develop and apply the “Blue Active Tool”. We estimated park user health impacts in terms of all-cause mortality, morbidity (ischemic heart disease; ischemic stroke; type 2 diabetes; cancers of the colon and breast; and dementia), disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and health-related economic impacts. We estimated that 5753 adult users visited the riverside park daily and performed different types of physical activity (walking for leisure or to/from work, cycling, and running). Related to the physical activity conducted on the riverside park, we estimated an annual reduction of 7.3 deaths (95% CI: 5.4; 10.2), and 6.2 cases of diseases (95% CI: 2.0; 11.6). This corresponds to 11.9 DALYs (95% CI: 3.4; 20.5) and an annual health-economic impact of 23.4 million euros (95% CI: 17.2 million; 32.8 million). The urban regeneration intervention of this riverside park provides health and health-related economic benefits to the population using the infrastructure.

Strategies for Partnering with Health Care Settings to Increase Physical Activity Promotion

Strategies for Partnering with Health Care Settings to Increase Physical Activity Promotion

A Study to Estimate the Level of Physical Activity and Perceived Benefits and Barriers to Exercise among Women in Coastal Karnataka

Background: Insufficient physical activity is a known risk factor for major non-communicable diseases. While the health benefits of physical activity are well established, women are known to have suboptimal levels of physical activity. Studying the perceived benefits and barriers to exercise can help to improve physical activity among women. Objective: To study the perceived benefits and barriers to exercise and the associated factors among women To assess the level of physical activity among the women. Methodology: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among women aged 18-49 years. The Exercise Benefits and Barrier Scale (EBBS) was used to assess benefits and barriers to exercise. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess physical activity. Results: The study included 181 participants with mean (SD) age of 35.2(8.4) yrs. Enhancement of physical endurance (98.4%) and improvement of overall body functioning (97.8%) were the most commonly perceived benefits. Tiredness (52.5%) due to exercise and lack of convenient schedules in exercise facilities (52.0%) were the most common perceived barriers. According to IPAQ, (17.1%) were considered physically inactive. The level of physical activity showed a positive association with mean total and barrier EBBS score (p <0.01). Conclusion: Women perceived the benefits of exercise positively, however, they identified certain barriers to the same. The presence of inactivity and obesity among a considerable proportion, requires further action with specific intervention.

A Quasi-Experimental Study Examining the Impact and Challenges of Implementing a Fitness-Based Health Risk Assessment and a Physical Activity Counseling Intervention in the Workplace Setting.

Objectives:Few adults participate in enough physical activity for health benefits. The workplace provides a unique environment to deliver heath interventions and can be beneficial to the employee and the employer. The purpose of the study was to explore the use of a physical activity counseling (PAC) program and a fitness-based health risk assessment (fHRA) in the hospital workplace.Methods:A workplace-based intervention was developed utilizing a PAC program and an fHRA to improve physical activity levels of employees. Hospital employees were enrolled in a 4-month PAC program and given the option to also enroll in an fHRA program (PAC + fHRA). Physical activity was assessed by accelerometry and measured at baseline, 2 months, and 4 months. Changes in musculoskeletal fitness for those in the fHRA program were assessed at baseline and 2 months.Results:For both groups (PAC n = 22; PAC + fHRA n = 16), total and moderate to vigorous physical activity in bouts of 10 minutes or more increased significantly by 18.8 (P = .004) and 10.2 (P = .048) minutes per week at each data collection point, respectively. Only participants with gym memberships demonstrated increases in light physical activity over time. Those in the fHRA group significantly increased their overall musculoskeletal fitness levels from baseline levels (18.2 vs 21.7, P < .001). There was no difference in the change in physical activity levels between the groups.Conclusions:A PAC program in the workplace may increase physical activity levels within 4 months. The addition of an fHRA does not appear to further increase physical activity levels; however, it may improve overall employee musculoskeletal fitness levels.

Using a Mobile Social Networking App to Promote Physical Activity: A Qualitative Study of Users' Perspectives.

BackgroundDespite many health benefits of physical activity, nearly a third of the world’s adult population is insufficiently active. Technological interventions, such as mobile apps, wearable trackers, and Web-based social networks, offer great promise in promoting physical activity, but little is known about users’ acceptability and long-term engagement with these interventions.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to understand users’ perspectives regarding a mobile social networking intervention to promote physical activity.MethodsParticipants, mostly university students and staff, were recruited using purposive sampling techniques. Participants were enrolled in a 6-month feasibility study where they were provided with a wearable physical activity tracker (Fitbit Flex 2) and a wireless scale (Fitbit Aria) integrated with a social networking mobile app (named “fit.healthy.me”). We conducted semistructured, in-depth qualitative interviews and focus groups pre- and postintervention, which were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed in Nvivo 11 using thematic analysis techniques.ResultsIn this study, 55 participants were enrolled; 51% (28/55) were females, and the mean age was 23.6 (SD 4.6) years. The following 3 types of factors emerged from the data as influencing engagement with the intervention and physical activity: individual (self-monitoring of behavior, goal setting, and feedback on behavior), social (social comparison, similarity and familiarity between users, and participation from other users in the network), and technological. In addition, automation and personalization were observed as enhancing the delivery of both individual and social aspects. Technological limitations were mentioned as potential barriers to long-term usage.ConclusionsSelf-regulatory techniques and social factors are important to consider when designing a physical activity intervention, but a one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to satisfy different users’ preferences. Future research should adopt innovative research designs to test interventions that can adapt and respond to users’ needs and preferences throughout time.

Health effects of physical activity as predicted by particle deposition in the human respiratory tract

Although health benefits of physical activity are well known, the risk of physical activity in polluted air is unclear. Our objective is to investigate health effects resulting from physical activity in polluted air by looking at particle deposition in human tracheobronchial (TB) airways. Airflow and particle deposition in TB airways were investigated using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. We chose three regional airways: upper (G3–G5), central (G9–G11) and lower (G14–G16). Physical activity was described by breathing rate at the mouth, for three levels of activity: sedentary (15 l/min), moderate (30 l/min) and intense (60 l/min). We found that particle deposition was strongly affected by physical activity. Particles are deposited in greater number in the lower airways (G14–G16) during sedentary activity, more in the upper airways (G3–G5) during intense activity, and uniformly in the airways during moderate activity. The difference in the deposition pattern was due to the reason that physical activity increased the airflow which increased inertial impaction. Our modeling of particle deposition in the human respiratory airways shows that there are different health effects for different activity levels: sedentary activity leads to chronic health effects, intense activity results in acute effects, and moderate activity minimizes the adverse health effects of physical activity in polluted air.

An Examination of the Possible Physical Activity and Short-Term Health Benefits Associated With Dog Walking

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine whether dog walking is beneficial for dog owners’ health by providing sufficient physical activity for health benefits and improving their psychological health immediately after dog walking. The sample was comprised of 61 dog walkers who wore an accelerometer for one week on all of their dog walks and completed seven visual analogue scales assessing their psychological health before and after each of their dog walks. Slightly more than half of the time spent dog walking was at the moderate- to vigorous-intensity level recommended for health benefits. Furthermore, through dog walking alone, approximately two in five dog walkers met Canada’s 150-minute physical activity guideline for health benefits. Analyses comparing dog walkers’ psychological health before and after their dog walks revealed an improvement on six out of seven psychological health measures. Dog walkers felt less stressed after walking their dog and experienced an increase in their energy, self-esteem, social life satisfaction and overall life satisfaction as well as a more positive mood. Taken together, these findings provide objective evidence that dog walking is a viable means of attaining the physical activity needed for health benefits and highlight the need to further explore the short-term health benefits of dog walking.

Implementation of a co-designed physical activity program for older adults: positive impact when delivered at scale

BackgroundDespite known health benefits of physical activity (PA), older adults remain among the least physically active age group globally with 30–60% not meeting guidelines. In Canada, 87% do not meet recommended guidelines. To influence population health, interventions that are effective in small trials must be disseminated at scale. Despite evidence for efficacy, few PA interventions are scaled up to reach the wider community. In 2015, British Columbia (BC) Ministry of Health released a PA strategy where older adults were identified as a priority. In partnership with the Ministry, the Active Aging Research Team co-created a health promotion program called Choose to Move (CTM). CTM will be implemented in three phases at increasingly greater scale across BC. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of CTM during Phase I (pilot) and Phase II (initial scale up) on PA, mobility, and social connectedness among older adults in BC, Canada.MethodsWe used a type 2 hybrid effectiveness-implementation study design, and herein focus on effectiveness. The implementation evaluation will be published as a companion paper elsewhere. Two community delivery partner organizations delivered 56 CTM programs in 26 large and small urban locations across BC. Outcome measurement occurred at 0 (baseline), 3 (mid-intervention) and 6 (post-intervention) months. We collected survey data from all participants (n = 458; province-wide) and also conducted a subset evaluation (n = 209).ResultsPA increased significantly during the active intervention phase (baseline-3 months) in younger (60–74 yrs.; + 1.6 days/week; p < 0.001) and older (≥75 yrs.; + 1.0 days/week; p < 0.001) participants. The increase was sustained at 6 months in younger participants only, who remained significantly more active than at baseline (+ 1.4 days/week; p < 0.001). Social exclusion indicators declined significantly in the younger group. Mobility and strength improved significantly at 3 months in the younger group, and in both groups at 6 months.ConclusionsCTM adopted central tenets of implementation science that consider the complicated systems where interventions are delivered to improve public health. In this iteration of CTM we demonstrate that a partner-based health promotion intervention can be effectively implemented across settings to enhance PA, mobility and social connectedness in older adults.

Making More of IT: Enabling Intensive Motor Cognitive Rehabilitation Exercises in Geriatrics Using Information Technology Solutions.

Although the health benefits of physical activity and exercise for older people are well established, a largely sedentary lifestyle still prevails in ageing western societies. Finding new ways to make exercise more accessible and acceptable for older adults must be developed to fully unleash its potential in preventing and weakening age-related physical and cognitive decline. Existing barriers to implement effective exercise-based treatment plans include motivational reservations on both the clinician's and patient's side, but also physical limitations caused by disease or deconditioning. Particularly in the more senior population, debilitating conditions do not allow adherence to currently recommended exercise regimes. A major rethinking of age- and user-adapted exercise is overdue. The high intensities required for physical and mental adaptations must be modifiable and personalized according to the functional status of each patient. Emerging information and communication technologies (ICT) have brought forward a plethora of attractive solutions for smart and adapted exercise, but there remains a vast gap between technological advancement and clinical relevance. Where in the beginning ICT for active ageing mainly focussed on aspects of usability and user experience, the current status of IT as applied in ageing populations noticeably shifted toward new services, applications, and devices that can be offered with the aim to prevent, compensate, care, and/or enhance daily life functioning of senior citizens. In this perspective paper, we aim to summarize the current state of the art in ICT-based interventions aimed at improved motor-cognitive control and make suggestions about how these could be combined with high-intensive interval exercise regimes to make rehabilitation for the impaired older adults more effective, and more fun.

A wearable activity tracker intervention for promoting physical activity in adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a pilot study

BackgroundChildren and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are less physically active than their healthy peers and are at high risk of missing out on the general health benefits of physical activity. Wearable activity trackers are a promising option for intervening in this population with potential advantages over traditional exercise prescriptions. The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine the feasibility of a wearable activity tracker intervention in adolescents with JIA; and (2) estimate the variability in response to a wearable activity tracker intervention on the physical activity levels of adolescents with JIA.MethodsParticipants aged 12–18 years with JIA were recruited during their routine rheumatology clinic visits at a tertiary care hospital. Participants completed the 3-Day Physical Activity Recall self-reported questionnaire at baseline, 1 week and 5 week follow-up. At the 1 week follow up, participants were instructed to start wearing an activity tracker for 28 consecutive days. Participants completed a feasibility questionnaire at their end of study visit. Participant demographics, adherence rates and feasibility outcomes were summarized using descriptive statistics. The effect of wearing a tracker on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and total metabolic equivalents (METs) per day were analyzed using a paired t-test.ResultsTwenty-eight participants (74% female; median age 15.1, range 12.8–18.6) were included in the analysis. All of the participants were able to synchronize the activity tracker to a supported device, use the activity tracker correctly and complete the study measurements. On average, participants had activity logged on their smartphone application for 72% of the intervention period. The standard deviation of the change in mean METs/day was 12.148 and for mean MVPA blocks/day was 3.143 over the study period.ConclusionWrist worn activity tracking is a feasible intervention for adolescent patients with JIA. More research is needed to examine the effect of activity tracking on physical activity levels.Trial RegistrationNot an applicable clinical device trial as per the criteria listed on ClinicalTrials.gov as the primary objective is feasibility.

Exploring cancer centres for physical activity and sedentary behaviour support for breast cancer survivors.

Up to 90% of breast cancer survivors report low levels of physical activity (pa) and spend approximately 70% of the day in sedentary behaviour. Survivors might not be receiving information about the health benefits of pa and the consequences of sedentary behaviour in the context of their cancer. The primary purpose of the present study was to evaluate cancer centres for pa and sedentary behaviour information and infrastructure. A secondary aim was to evaluate the quality of the information that is accessible to breast cancer survivors in cancer centres. A built-environment scan of the 14 regional cancer centres in Ontario and an evaluation of the text materials about pa available at the cancer centres were completed. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, proportions, and inter-rater reliability. The infrastructure of the cancer centres provided few opportunities for dissemination of information related to pa through signs and printed notices. Televisions were present in all waiting rooms, which could provide a unique opportunity for dissemination of information about pa and sedentary behaviour. Text materials were rated as trustworthy, used some behaviour change techniques (for example, information about the consequences of lack of pa, barrier identification, and setting graded tasks), and were aesthetically pleasing. These findings represent areas for knowledge dissemination both for the centre and for resources that could be further improved.

Exercise and physical activity in asylum seekers in Northern England; using the theoretical domains framework to identify barriers and facilitators

BackgroundMany asylum seekers have complex mental health needs which can be exacerbated by the challenging circumstances in which they live and difficulties accessing health services. Regular moderate physical activity can improve mental health and would be a useful strategy to achieve this. Evidence suggests there are barriers to engaging black and minority ethnic groups in physical activity, but there is little research around asylum seekers to address the key barriers and facilitators in this group.MethodsA two stage qualitative study used semi-structured interviews underpinned by the Theoretical Domains Framework. The interviews were conducted in voluntary sector groups in four towns/ cities in Northern England. Purposive sampling recruited 36 asylum seekers from 18 different countries. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and subject to framework analysis. Stage two involved a nominal group technique with five key stakeholders including asylum seekers and those that work with them. They followed a four stage process to rank and reach consensus on the key barrier to undertaking physical activity/ exercise that could be addressed locally through a future intervention.ResultsA number of barriers and facilitators were identified including a lack of understanding of the term physical activity and recommended levels but knowledge of the health benefits of physical activity/ exercise and the motivation to increase levels having engaged with activities back home. Living as an asylum seeker was considered a barrier due to the stress, poverty and temporary nature of living in an unfamiliar place. The outcome of the nominal group technique was that a lack of knowledge of facilities in the local area was the prevailing barrier that could be addressed.ConclusionsPublic health practitioners could develop interventions which capitalise on the motivation and knowledge of asylum seekers to encourage an increase in physical activity which may in turn reduce the breadth and depth of mental health needs of this group.

Physical activity promotion in primary care: a Utopian quest?

The health benefits of physical activity (PA) are acknowledged and promoted by the scientific community, especially within primary care. However, there is little evidence that such promotion is provided in any consistent or comprehensive format. Brief interventions (i.e. discussion, negotiation or encouragement) and exercise referral schemes (i.e. patients being formally referred to a PA professional) are the two dominant approaches within primary care. These cost-effective interventions can generate positive changes in health outcomes and PA levels in inactive patients who are at increased risk for non-communicable diseases. Their success relies on the acceptability and efficiency of primary care professionals to deliver PA counselling. To this end, appropriate training and financial support are crucial. Similarly, human resourcing and synergy between the different stakeholders must be addressed. To obtain maximum adherence, specific populations should be targeted and interventions adapted to their needs. Key enablers include motivational interviewing, social support and multi-disciplinary approaches. Leadership and lines of accountability must be clearly delineated to ensure the success of the initiatives promoting PA in primary care. The synergic and multisectoral action of several stakeholders, especially healthcare professionals, will help overcome physical inactivity in a sustainable way.

Effect of physical activities program on stress level among elderly women

The health benefits of physical activity and exercise are well documented and these effects could help elderly individual. This study aimed to assess stress level and implement Physical activities program to elevate stress among elderly women. Subjects and method: This study was conducted at geriatric clubs at Assiut city. The study included forty two elderly women randomly assigned to intervention Each elderly women was evaluated through bio socio demographic characteristics and Perception of life stressors questioners. Results showed that there were statistically significant improvement in pre and post physical activities program on stress level among elderly women. The study concluded that application physical activity program for elderly women with stress have significant therapeutic effect on stress symptom among elderly women. Recommendation: Physical exercises to be apart of activities of daily living for elderly women and health education for elderly women about important of regular Physical exercises.